Surgical instruments including a set of cutting blades for performing an osteotomy

ABSTRACT

Surgical instruments for performing wedge-shaped osteotomies are disclosed herein. One surgical instrument includes a body including a distal end, a proximal end, and a top surface. The top surface includes a slope extending upward and along a single plane from the distal end to the proximal end. Multiple columns of cutting blades positioned on the top surface and each of the cutting blades includes a respective uniform height that extends vertically along at least a portion of the slope. Another surgical instrument includes a top surface including a flat plane. Multiple columns of cutting blades are positioned on the top surface and the columns of cutting blades are spaced apart and positioned on at least a portion of the top surface. Each cutting blade extends horizontally along the top surface and includes an increasing slope extending upward and along a single plane from the distal end to the proximal end.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/459,555 filed on Jul. 1, 2019, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates generally to surgical cutting apparatus,and more particularly to, surgical instruments for performingosteotomies.

BACKGROUND

Surgical cutting instruments come in many shapes and sizes. Generally,osteotomy surgical instruments are designed to make straight cuts. Insome situations, particularly when a wedge-shaped osteotomy is desired,the user (e.g., a physician, surgeon, etc.) is required to performmultiple osteotomies, cuts, and/or passes to achieve the desired shape.Further, multiple osteotomies with using a surgical instrument that makestraight cuts can result in inconsistencies in shape and/or size of theresulting osteotomy wedges in different patients. In other words, ittakes more time to perform a wedge-shaped osteotomy than is otherwiseneeded and/or there is a degree of inconsistency and/or inaccuracy whena traditional surgical instrument is utilized to perform a wedge-shapedosteotomy.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments provide a surgical instrument for performing anosteotomy. One surgical instrument includes a body including a distalend, a proximal end, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The topsurface includes a slope extending upward and along a single plane fromthe distal end to the proximal end. The surgical instrument furtherincludes multiple columns of cutting blades spaced apart on the topsurface in which each of the cutting blades includes a respectiveuniform height and extend vertically along at least a portion of theslope from the distal end to the proximal end.

Another surgical instrument includes a body including a distal end, aproximal end, a bottom surface, and a top surface including a flatplane. The surgical instrument further includes multiple columns ofcutting blades positioned on the top surface in which the columns ofcutting blades are spaced apart and positioned on the top surface fromthe distal end to the proximal end. Each cutting blade extendshorizontally along the top surface and includes an increasing slopeextending upward and along a single plane from the distal end to theproximal end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To readily understand the advantages and benefits of the technology, amore particular description of the technology briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict typical embodiments of the technology, and are therefore not tobe considered to be limiting of its scope, the technology will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall view of anembodiment of a surgical instrument including multiple columns ofcutting blades;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the embodimentof a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theembodiment of a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theembodiment of a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 1A withgradually increasing blade heights;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall view of anembodiment of a surgical instrument including multiple rows of cuttingblades;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the embodimentof a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theembodiment of a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theembodiment of a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 2A with each rowincluding a gradually greater blade height from a distal end to aproximal end of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall view of anotherembodiment of a surgical instrument including multiple columns ofcutting blades;

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the embodimentof a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of anotherembodiment of the surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theembodiment of a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 3E is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theembodiment of a surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 3A with each rowincluding a gradually greater blade height from a distal end to aproximal end of the surgical instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be understood that the language used in the present disclosurehas been principally selected for readability and instructionalpurposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosedherein in any manner. Further, reference throughout this specificationto “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more butnot all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms“including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean“including, but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. Anenumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the itemsare mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “oneor more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

In addition, as used herein, the term “set” can mean “one or more,”unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “sets” can mean multiplesof or a plurality of “one or mores,” “ones or more,” and/or “ones ormores” consistent with set theory, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features or advantages of aparticular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments.

The present technology may include any type of surgical instrument andis not limited to the style of surgical instrument depicted in thedrawings. Furthermore, the described features, structures, orcharacteristics of the various embodiments may be combined in anysuitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize,however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of thespecific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and soforth. In other instances, well-known structures, and/or materials arenot shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of anembodiment.

Turning now to the Figures, FIGS. 1A through 1D are schematic diagramsillustrating various views of one embodiment of a surgical instrument100. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 100 can be utilizedto perform a wedge-shaped osteotomy. Further, the wedge-shaped osteotomycan be achieved with a single cut or pass utilizing the surgicalinstrument 100.

A surgical instrument 100 may be constructed of any suitable materialthat can cut bone. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 100is constructed of a sterilized suitable material that can cut bone. Insome embodiments, the surgical instrument 100 includes stainless steel,among other suitable materials that are possible and contemplatedherein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the surgicalinstrument 100 includes surgical grade stainless steel, among othersuitable surgical grade materials that are possible and contemplatedherein.

At least in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 100includes, among other features, a body 102 including at least a bottomsurface 104, a top surface 106, a distal end 108, and a proximal end110, a set of cutting blades 112 positioned on the body 102, a set ofcutting teeth 114 positioned on the distal end 108, and an attachmentmechanism 116 positioned on the proximal end 110. A body 102 may includeany suitable dimensions that can perform an osteotomy. In variousembodiments, the body 102 includes dimensions that are suitable forperforming an osteotomy on a human.

In various embodiments, the body 102 includes a length L1 (see FIG. 1B)in the range of about 15 mm to about 70 mm, among other ranges of lengthand/or lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the body 102 includes a length L1 of about 20 mm, amongother lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The body 102 further includes a width W1 (see FIG. 1B) at the distal end108 and a width W2 (see FIG. 1B) at the proximal end 110. In variousembodiments, the width W1 is in the range of about 5 mm to about 30 mm,among other ranges of widths and/or widths that are possible andcontemplated herein. In some embodiments, the width W1 is about 7.5 mm,among other widths that are possible and contemplated herein. Inadditional or alternative embodiments, the width W2 is in the range ofabout 5 mm to about 70 mm, among other ranges of widths and/or widthsthat are possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, thewidth W2 is about 11 mm, among other widths that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the width W1 and the width W2 are the same width orsubstantially the same width. In other embodiments, the width W2 isgreater than the width W1 such that the proximate end 110 is wider thanthe distal end 108 or, alternatively, the distal end 108 is narrowerthan the proximate end 110 (e.g., the width W1 is less than the widthW2). That is, in various embodiments, the surgical instrument 100includes a tapered shape and/or tapers from the distal end 108 to theproximate end 110.

A bottom surface 104 may include any suitable shape and/or profile thatcan facilitate or assist the surgical instrument 100 in performing anosteotomy (e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, thebottom surface 104 includes a flat or substantially flat surface, amongother profiles and/or planes that are possible and contemplated herein.

A top surface 106 may include any suitable profile upon which one ormore cutting blades 112 can be positioned. In various embodiments, thetop surface 106 includes a slope 118 (see FIGS. 1C and 1D) that extendsupward and/or away from the bottom surface 104 and the distal end 108.The slope 118 may include any suitable grade (e.g., rise over run) thatcan facilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 100 in performingan osteotomy and particularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy. That is, thetop surface 106 and/or surgical instrument 100 may include any suitablegrade that can facilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 100 inperforming a wedge-shaped osteotomy in one cut and/or one pass.

In various embodiments, the slope 118 includes a grade in the range ofabout zero degrees (0° or flat) to about fifteen degrees (15°), amongother ranges of grades, grades, and/or slopes that are possible andcontemplated herein. In other words, an angle θ in the range of about 0°to about 15° (e.g., the angle θ=0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°,10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or 15° and/or the angle θ≈0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°,5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or 15°) is defined betweenthe top surface 106 and the bottom surface 104 beginning at the distalend 108 and extending upward and toward the proximate end 110, as shownin FIGS. 1C and 1D. In some embodiments, the slope 118 includes a gradeof about seven (7°) degrees (e.g., the angle θ=7° or the angle θ≈7°),among other suitable grades and/or slopes that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In several embodiments, the top surface 106 includes a set of cuttingblades 112 positioned thereon. As illustrated, the set of cutting blades112 are spaced apart and positioned vertically to form a set of columnsof cutting blades 112.

A set of cutting blades 112 may include any suitable quantity of cuttingblades 112 and/or quantity of columns of cutting blades 112 that canfacilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 100 in performing anosteotomy and particularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy. In variousembodiments, the top surface 106 includes a suitable quantity of cuttingblades 112 so that the surgical instrument 100 can perform awedge-shaped osteotomy in one cut and/or one pass.

In various embodiments, the top surface 106 includes a quantity ofcutting blades 112 in the range of about 2 cutting blades 112 to about40 cutting blades 112, among other ranges of quantities of cuttingblades 112 and/or quantities of cutting blades 112 that are possible andcontemplated herein. In some embodiments, the top surface 106 includes12 cutting blades 112, among other quantities of cutting blades 112 thatare possible and contemplated herein.

While the surgical instrument 100 is shown with a top surface 106including 8 cutting blades 112, the various embodiments of the surgicalinstrument 100 are not limited to 8 cutting blades 112. That is, variousother embodiments of a surgical instrument 100 can include a differentquantity of cutting blades 112 such that the top surface 106 can includea greater quantity of cutting blades 112 than 8 cutting blades 112 or asmaller quantity of cutting blades 112 than 8 cutting blades 112.

In some embodiments, the cutting blades 112 may be included on theentirety or substantially the entirety of the top surface 106. In otherembodiments, the cutting blades 112 may be included on a portion or atleast a portion of the top surface 106. That is, the cutting blades 112may extend partially or fully from the distal end 108 to the proximalend 110.

The portion of the top surface 106 including the cutting blades 112 mayinclude any suitable sized portion that can produce a wedge-shapedosteotomy. Various embodiments of the surgical instrument 100 mayinclude varying sized portions of the top surface 106 including thecutting blades 112 so that different sized and/or wedge-shapedosteotomies can be obtained. That is, different embodiments may includecutting blades 112 with differing lengths to produce different sizedand/or wedge-shaped osteotomies.

A cutting blade 112 may include any suitable shape that can facilitateand/or assist the surgical instrument 100 in performing an osteotomy(e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, a cuttingblade 112 can include a curved blade (e.g., a vertically curved blade),a straight blade, waved blade (e.g., a horizontally curved blade), or awavy blade (e.g., a blade with multiple horizontal curves), among othersuitable shapes that can facilitate cutting bone that are possible andcontemplated herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, a cuttingblade 112 can include a straight cutting edge and/or a serrated cuttingedge, among other cutting edges that are possible and contemplatedherein.

In some embodiments, all of the cutting blades 112 in the set of cuttingblades 112 on the top surface 106 include the same or substantially thesame shape. In alternative embodiments, at least two cutting blades 112in the set of cutting blades 112 on the top surface 106 includedifferent shapes or substantially different shapes. In one non-limitingexample, at least one cutting blade 112 includes a straight blade and atleast one cutting blade 112 includes a curved blade (or othernon-straight blade), among other shapes and/or combinations of shapesthat are possible and contemplated herein. In an additional oralternative non-limiting example, the straight blade(s) and/or thecurved blade(s) include a serrated cutting edge.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a set of cutting blades 112can include at least two subsets of cutting blades 112 in which a firstsubset includes two or more cutting blades 112 including a first shapeand at least a second subset that includes two or more cutting blades112 including a second, different shape. In some embodiments, one ormore of the cutting blades 112 in one or more of the subsets of cuttingblades 112 includes a serrated edge.

In further additional or alternative embodiments, the first subset ofcutting blades 112 and the second subset of cutting blades 112 includethe same quantity of cutting blades 112. In other embodiments, the firstsubset of cutting blades 112 and the second subset of cutting blades 112include different quantities of cutting blades 112.

In yet further additional or alternative embodiments, the cutting blades112 in the first subset of cutting blades 112 and the cutting blades 112in the second subset of cutting blades 112 can be positioned in apattern. The pattern may include any suitable pattern that can assist inand/or facilitate performing an osteotomy (e.g., a wedge-shapedosteotomy). In some embodiments, the pattern may include cutting blades112 with different shapes in an alternating pattern to providealternating columns of cutting blades 112.

A cutting blade 112 may include any suitable height that can facilitateand/or assist the surgical instrument 100 in performing an osteotomy(e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, the cuttingblades 112 can include a height in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 30mm, among other suitable heights that can facilitate cutting bone thatare possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the cuttingblades 112 include a height of 0.75 mm.

In some embodiments, all of the cutting blades 112 in the set of cuttingblades 112 on the top surface 106 include a uniform height (see FIG.1C). In alternative embodiments, one or more of the cutting blades 112on the top surface 106 include a height that gradually increases fromthe distal end 108 to the proximal end 110 (see FIG. 1D).

As shown, the distal end 108 includes a set of cutting teeth 114 (e.g.,a single tooth 114 or multiple teeth 114) positioned thereon. A set ofcutting teeth 114 may include any suitable quantity of teeth 114 thatcan assist in and/or facilitate initiating an osteotomy andparticularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy, when oscillated.

In various embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 114 includes a quantityof cutting teeth 114 in the range of one (1) cutting tooth 114 to about50 cutting teeth 114, among other ranges of quantities and/or quantitiesof cutting teeth 114 that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, a set of cutting teeth 114 includes about 8 cutting teeth114, among other quantities of cutting teeth 114 that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 114 are positioned on thedistal end 108 in a straight line or substantially straight line. Inother embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 114 are positioned along acurve on the distal end 108 defined by a radius R1.

The radius R1 may be any suitable radius and/or curvature that canassist in and/or facilitate initiating an osteotomy (e.g., awedge-shaped osteotomy) when oscillated. In various embodiments, theradius R1 is in the range of about 5 mm to about 80 mm, among otherranges of lengths and/or lengths that can define an amount and/or degreeof curvature that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the radius R1 is about 25 mm, among other lengths that candefine an amount and/or degree of curvature that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 114 on the distal end 108may define a cutting tip 120 that can initiate an osteotomy (e.g., awedge osteotomy). Further, the cutting blades 112 positioned along thesingle-plane slope 118 may define a cutting slope 118 that can performthe osteotomy to produce a wedge-shaped cut. In various embodiments, thecoordination of the cutting tip 120 and the cutting slope 118 can allowthe surgical instrument 100 to produce a wedge-shaped osteotomy in asingle cut and/or single pass.

As further shown, the proximal end 110 includes an attachment mechanism116 positioned thereon. The attachment mechanism 116 may include anysuitable size dimensions, shape, and/or configuration that enablesattachments of the surgical instrument 100 to a surgical instrument (notshown). That is, while the attachment mechanism 116 is shown asincluding particular relative size dimensions, shapes, andconfigurations, the various embodiments of the surgical instrument 100are not limited to the illustrated attachment mechanism 116. That is,other embodiments of the surgical instrument 100 may include one or moredifferent relative size dimension(s), shapes, and/or configurations.

FIGS. 2A through 2D are schematic diagrams illustrating various views ofanother embodiment of a surgical instrument 200. In various embodiments,the surgical instrument 200 can be utilized to perform a wedge-shapedosteotomy. Further, the wedge-shaped osteotomy can be achieved with asingle cut or pass utilizing the surgical instrument 200.

A surgical instrument 200 may be constructed of any suitable materialthat can cut bone. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 200is constructed of a sterilized suitable material that can cut bone. Insome embodiments, the surgical instrument 200 includes stainless steel,among other suitable materials that are possible and contemplatedherein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the surgicalinstrument 200 includes surgical grade stainless steel, among othersuitable surgical grade materials that are possible and contemplatedherein.

At least in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 200includes, among other features, a body 202 including at least a bottomsurface 204, a top surface 206, a distal end 208, and a proximal end210, a set of cutting blades 212 positioned on the body 202, a set ofcutting teeth 214 positioned on the distal end 208, and an attachmentmechanism 216 positioned on the proximal end 210. A body 202 may includeany suitable dimensions that can perform an osteotomy. In variousembodiments, the body 202 includes dimensions that are suitable forperforming an osteotomy on a human.

In various embodiments, the body 202 includes a length L2 (see FIG. 2B)in the range of about 15 mm to about 70 mm, among other ranges of lengthand/or lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the body 202 includes a length L2 of about 20 mm, amongother lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The body 202 further includes a width W3 (see FIG. 2B) at the distal end208 and a width W4 (see FIG. 2B) at the proximal end 210. In variousembodiments, the width W3 is in the range of about 5 mm to about 30 mm,among other ranges of widths and/or widths that are possible andcontemplated herein. In some embodiments, the width W3 is about 7.5 mm,among other widths that are possible and contemplated herein. Inadditional or alternative embodiments, the width W4 is in the range ofabout 5 mm to about 70 mm, among other ranges of widths and/or widthsthat are possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, thewidth W4 is about 11 mm, among other widths that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the width W3 and the width W4 are the same width orsubstantially the same width. In other embodiments, the width W4 isgreater than the width W3 such that the proximate end 210 is wider thanthe distal end 208 or, alternatively, the distal end 208 is narrowerthan the proximate end 210 (e.g., the width W3 is less than the widthW4). That is, in various embodiments, the surgical instrument 200includes a tapered shape and/or tapers from the distal end 208 to theproximate end 210.

A bottom surface 204 may include any suitable shape and/or profile thatcan facilitate or assist the surgical instrument 200 in performing anosteotomy (e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, thebottom surface 204 includes a flat or substantially flat surface, amongother profiles and/or planes that are possible and contemplated herein.

A top surface 206 may include any suitable profile upon which one ormore cutting blades 212 can be positioned. In various embodiments, thetop surface 206 includes a slope 218 (see FIGS. 2C and 2D) that extendsupward and/or away from the bottom surface 204 and the distal end 208.The slope 218 may include any suitable grade (e.g., rise over run) thatcan facilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 200 in performingan osteotomy and particularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy. That is, thetop surface 206 and/or surgical instrument 200 may include any suitablegrade that can facilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 200 inperforming a wedge-shaped osteotomy in one cut and/or one pass.

In various embodiments, the slope 218 includes a grade in the range ofabout 0° (or flat) to about 15°, among other ranges of grades, grades,and/or slopes that are possible and contemplated herein. In other words,an angle θ in the range of about 0° to about 15° (e.g., the angle θ=0°,1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or 15°and/or the angle θ≈0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°,12°, 13°, 14°, or 15°) is defined between the top surface 206 and thebottom surface 204 beginning at the distal end 208 and extending upwardand toward the proximate end 210, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. In someembodiments, the slope 218 includes a grade of about 7° degrees (e.g.,the angle θ=7° or the angle θ≈7°), among other suitable grades and/orslopes that are possible and contemplated herein.

In several embodiments, the top surface 206 includes a set of cuttingblades 212 positioned thereon. As illustrated, the set of cutting blades212 are spaced apart and positioned horizontally to form a set of rowsof cutting blades 212.

A set of cutting blades 212 may include any suitable quantity of cuttingblades 212 and/or quantity of rows of cutting blades 212 that canfacilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 200 in performing anosteotomy and particularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy. In variousembodiments, the top surface 206 includes a suitable quantity of cuttingblades 212 or rows of cutting blades 212 so that the surgical instrument200 can perform a wedge-shaped osteotomy in one cut and/or one pass.

In various embodiments, the top surface 206 includes a quantity ofcutting blades 212 in the range of about two (2) cutting blades 212 toabout 40 cutting blades 212, among other ranges of quantities of cuttingblades 212 and/or quantities of cutting blades 212 that are possible andcontemplated herein. In some embodiments, the top surface 206 includes12 cutting blades 212, among other quantities of cutting blades 212 thatare possible and contemplated herein.

While the surgical instrument 200 is shown with a top surface 206including 9 cutting blades 212, the various embodiments of the surgicalinstrument 200 are not limited to 9 cutting blades 212. That is, variousother embodiments of a surgical instrument 200 can include a differentquantity of cutting blades 212 such that the top surface 206 can includea greater quantity of cutting blades 212 than 9 cutting blades 212 or asmaller quantity of cutting blades 212 than 9 cutting blades 212.

In some embodiments, the cutting blades 212 may be included on theentirety or substantially the entirety of the top surface 206. In otherembodiments, the cutting blades 212 may be included on a portion or atleast a portion of the top surface 206. That is, the quantity of rows ofcutting blades 212 may extend partially or fully along the slope 208 onthe top surface 106.

The portion of the top surface 206 including the cutting blades 212 mayinclude any suitable sized portion that can produce a wedge-shapedosteotomy. Various embodiments of the surgical instrument 200 mayinclude varying sized portions of the top surface 206 including thecutting blades 212 so that different sized and/or shaped wedge-shapedosteotomies can be obtained.

A cutting blade 212 may include any suitable shape that can facilitateand/or assist the surgical instrument 200 in performing an osteotomy(e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, a cuttingblade 212 can include a curved blade, a straight blade, waved blade, ora wavy blade, among other suitable shapes that can facilitate cuttingbone that are possible and contemplated herein. In additional oralternative embodiments, a cutting blade 212 can include a straightcutting edge and/or a serrated cutting edge, among other cutting edgesthat are possible and contemplated herein.

In some embodiments, all of the cutting blades 212 in the set of cuttingblades 212 on the top surface 206 include the same or substantially thesame shape. In alternative embodiments, at least two cutting blades 212in the set of cutting blades 212 on the top surface 206 includedifferent shapes or substantially different shapes. In one non-limitingexample, at least one cutting blade 212 includes a straight blade and atleast one cutting blade 212 includes a non-straight blade, among othershapes and/or combinations of shapes that are possible and contemplatedherein. In an additional or alternative non-limiting example, the curvedblade(s) and/or the straight blade(s) include a serrated edge.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a set of cutting blades 212can include at least two subsets of cutting blades 212 in which a firstsubset includes two or more cutting blades 212 including a first shapeand at least a second subset that includes two or more cutting blades212 including a second, different shape. In some embodiments, one ormore of the cutting blades 212 in one or more of the subsets of cuttingblades 212 include a serrated edge.

In further additional or alternative embodiments, the first subset ofcutting blades 212 and the second subset of cutting blades 212 includethe same quantity of cutting blades 212. In other embodiments, the firstsubset of cutting blades 212 and the second subset of cutting blades 212include different quantities of cutting blades 212.

In yet further additional or alternative embodiments, the cutting blades212 in the first subset of cutting blades 212 and the cutting blades 212in the second subset of cutting blades 212 can be positioned in apattern. The pattern may include any suitable pattern that can assist inand/or facilitate performing an osteotomy (e.g., a wedge-shapedosteotomy). In some embodiments, the pattern may include cutting blades212 with different shapes in an alternating pattern to providealternating rows of cutting blades 212.

A cutting blade 212 may include any suitable height that can facilitateand/or assist the surgical instrument 200 in performing an osteotomy(e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, the cuttingblades 212 can include a height in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 30mm, among other suitable heights that can facilitate cutting bone thatare possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the cuttingblades 212 include a height of 0.75 mm.

In some embodiments, all of the rows of cutting blades 212 on the topsurface 206 include a uniform height (see FIG. 2C). In alternativeembodiments, the rows of cutting blades 212 on the top surface 206include a gradually increasing height (see FIG. 2D). In someembodiments, the height of the rows of cutting blades 212 graduallyincreases from the distal end 208 to the proximal end 210.

As shown, the distal end 208 includes a set of cutting teeth 214 (e.g.,a single tooth 214 or multiple teeth 214) positioned thereon. A set ofcutting teeth 214 may include any suitable quantity of teeth 214 thatcan assist in and/or facilitate initiating an osteotomy andparticularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy, when oscillated.

In various embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 214 includes a quantityof cutting teeth 214 in the range of one cutting tooth 214 to about 50cutting teeth 214, among other ranges of quantities and/or quantities ofcutting teeth 214 that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, a set of cutting teeth 214 includes about 8 cutting teeth214, among other quantities of cutting teeth 214 that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 214 are positioned on thedistal end 208 in a straight line or substantially straight line. Inother embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 214 are positioned along acurve on the distal end 208 defined by a radius R2.

The radius R2 may be any suitable radius and/or curvature that canassist in and/or facilitate initiating an osteotomy (e.g., awedge-shaped osteotomy) when oscillated. In various embodiments, theradius R2 is in the range of about 5 mm to about 80 mm, among otherranges of lengths and/or lengths that can define an amount and/or degreeof curvature that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the radius R2 is about 25 mm, among other lengths that candefine an amount and/or degree of curvature that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the set of cutting teeth 214 on the distal end maydefine a cutting tip 220 that can initiate an osteotomy (e.g., a wedgeosteotomy). Further, the cutting blades 212 positioned along thesingle-plane slope 218 may define a cutting slope 218 that can performthe osteotomy to produce a wedge-shaped cut. In various embodiments, thecoordination of the cutting tip 220 and the cutting slope 218 can allowthe surgical instrument 200 to produce a wedge-shaped osteotomy in asingle cut and/or single pass.

As further shown, the proximal end 210 includes an attachment mechanism216 positioned thereon. The attachment mechanism 216 may include anysuitable size dimensions, shape, and/or configuration that enablesattachments of the surgical instrument 200 to a surgical instrument (notshown). That is, while the attachment mechanism 216 is shown asincluding particular relative size dimensions, shapes, andconfigurations, the various embodiments of the surgical instrument 200are not limited to the illustrated attachment mechanism 216. That is,other embodiments of the surgical instrument 200 may include one or moredifferent relative size dimension(s), shapes, and/or configurations.

With reference to FIGS. 3A through 3E, FIGS. 3A through 3E are schematicdiagrams illustrating various views of one embodiment of a surgicalinstrument 300. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 300 canbe utilized to perform a wedge-shaped osteotomy. Further, thewedge-shaped osteotomy can be achieved with a single cut or passutilizing the surgical instrument 300.

A surgical instrument 300 may be constructed of any suitable materialthat can cut bone. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 300is constructed of a sterilized suitable material that can cut bone. Insome embodiments, the surgical instrument 300 includes stainless steel,among other suitable materials that are possible and contemplatedherein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the surgicalinstrument 300 includes surgical grade stainless steel, among othersuitable surgical grade materials that are possible and contemplatedherein.

At least in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 300includes, among other features, a body 302 including at least a bottomsurface 304, a top surface 306, a distal end 308, and a proximal end310, a set of cutting blades 312 positioned on the body 302, a set ofcutting teeth 314 positioned on the distal end 308, and an attachmentmechanism 316 positioned on the proximal end 310. A body 302 may includeany suitable dimensions that can perform an osteotomy. In variousembodiments, the body 302 includes dimensions that are suitable forperforming an osteotomy on a human.

In various embodiments, the body 302 includes a length L3 (see FIG. 3B)in the range of about 15 mm to about 70 mm, among other ranges of lengthand/or lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the body 302 includes a length L3 of about 20 mm, amongother lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The body 302 further includes a width W5 (see FIG. 3B) at the distal end308 and a width W6 (see FIG. 3B) at the proximal end 310. In variousembodiments, the width W5 is in the range of about 5 mm to about 30 mm,among other ranges of widths and/or widths that are possible andcontemplated herein. In some embodiments, the width W5 is about 7.5 mm,among other widths that are possible and contemplated herein. Inadditional or alternative embodiments, the width W6 is in the range ofabout 5 mm to about 70 mm, among other ranges of widths and/or widthsthat are possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, thewidth W6 is about 11 mm, among other widths that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the width W5 and the width W6 are the same width orsubstantially the same width. In other embodiments, the width W6 isgreater than the width W5 such that the proximate end 310 is wider thanthe distal end 308 or, alternatively, the distal end 308 is narrowerthan the proximate end 310 (e.g., the width W5 is less than the widthW6). That is, in various embodiments, the surgical instrument 300includes a tapered shape and/or tapers from the distal end 308 to theproximate end 310.

A bottom surface 304 may include any suitable shape and/or profile thatcan facilitate or assist the surgical instrument 300 in performing anosteotomy (e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, thebottom surface 304 includes a flat or substantially flat surface, amongother profiles and/or planes that are possible and contemplated herein.

A top surface 306 may include any suitable profile upon which one ormore cutting blades 312 can be positioned. In various embodiments, thetop surface 306 includes a slope 318 (see FIG. 3D) that extends upwardand/or away from the bottom surface 304 and the distal end 308. Theslope 318 may include any suitable grade (e.g., rise over run) that canfacilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 300 in performing anosteotomy and particularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy. That is, the topsurface 306 and/or surgical instrument 300 may include any suitablegrade that can facilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 300 inperforming a wedge-shaped osteotomy in one cut and/or one pass.

In various embodiments, the slope 318 includes a grade in the range ofabout zero degrees (0° or flat, see FIG. 3E) to about fifteen degrees(15°, see FIG. 3D), among other ranges of grades, grades, and/or slopesthat are possible and contemplated herein. In other words, an angle θ inthe range of about 0° to about 15° (e.g., the angle θ=0°, 1°, 2°, 3°,4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or 15° and/or the angleθ≈0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or15°) is defined between the top surface 306 and the bottom surface 304beginning at the distal end 308 and extending upward and toward theproximate end 310, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E. In some embodiments, theslope 318 includes a grade of about seven (7°) degrees (e.g., the angleθ=7° or the angle θ≈7°), among other suitable grades and/or slopes thatare possible and contemplated herein.

In several embodiments, the top surface 306 includes a set of cuttingblades 312 positioned thereon. As illustrated, the set of cutting blades312 are spaced apart and positioned vertically to form a set of columnsof cutting blades 312. As shown, one or more cutting blades 312 arepositioned on the top surface 306 so that one end of the cutting blade312 or cutting blades 312 begin(s) at or substantially at the distal end308 and extend toward the proximal end 310.

In various embodiments, all of the cutting blades 312 in the set ofcutting blades 312 begin at or substantially at the distal end 308 or aportion of the cutting blades 312 in the set of cutting blades 312begin(s) at or substantially at the distal end 308. The cutting blades312 may include any suitable shape and/or dimensions at the distal end308 can assist in and/or facilitate initiating an osteotomy andparticularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy, when oscillated.

A set of cutting blades 312 may include any suitable quantity of cuttingblades 312 and/or quantity of columns of cutting blades 312 that canfacilitate and/or assist the surgical instrument 300 in performing anosteotomy and particularly, a wedge-shaped osteotomy.

The top surface 306 may include any suitable quantity of cutting blades312 so that the surgical instrument 300 can perform a wedge-shapedosteotomy in one cut and/or one pass. In various embodiments, the topsurface 306 includes a quantity of cutting blades 312 in the range ofabout 2 cutting blades 312 to about 40 cutting blades 312, among otherranges of quantities of cutting blades 312 and/or quantities of cuttingblades 312 that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the top surface 306 includes 12 cutting blades 312, amongother quantities of cutting blades 312 that are possible andcontemplated herein.

While the surgical instrument 300 is shown with a top surface 306including 14 cutting blades 312, the various embodiments of the surgicalinstrument 300 are not limited to 14 cutting blades 312. That is,various other embodiments of a surgical instrument 300 can include adifferent quantity of cutting blades 312 such that the top surface 306can include a greater quantity of cutting blades 312 than 14 cuttingblades 312 or a smaller quantity of cutting blades 312 than 14 cuttingblades 312.

In some embodiments, the cutting blades 312 may extend over and/or alongthe entirety or substantially the entirety of the top surface 306 (seeFIG. 3B). In other embodiments, the cutting blades 312 extend overand/or along a portion or at least a portion of the top surface 306 (seeFIG. 3C). That is, the cutting blades 312 may extend partially or fullyfrom the distal end 308 to the proximal end 310.

The portion of the top surface 306 including the cutting blades 312 mayinclude any suitable sized portion that can produce a wedge-shapedosteotomy. Various embodiments of the surgical instrument 300 mayinclude varying sized portions of the top surface 306 including thecutting blades 312 so that different sized and/or wedge-shapedosteotomies can be obtained. That is, different embodiments may includecutting blades 312 with differing lengths to produce different sizedand/or wedge-shaped osteotomies.

A cutting blade 312 may include any suitable shape that can facilitateand/or assist the surgical instrument 300 in performing an osteotomy(e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, a cuttingblade 312 can include a curved blade (e.g., a vertically curved blade),a straight blade, waved blade (e.g., a horizontally curved blade), or awavy blade (e.g., a blade with multiple horizontal curves), among othersuitable shapes that can facilitate cutting bone that are possible andcontemplated herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, a cuttingblade 312 can include a straight cutting edge and/or a serrated cuttingedge, among other cutting edges that are possible and contemplatedherein.

In some embodiments, all of the cutting blades 312 in the set of cuttingblades 312 on the top surface 306 include the same or substantially thesame shape. In alternative embodiments, at least two cutting blades 312in the set of cutting blades 312 on the top surface 306 includedifferent shapes or substantially different shapes. In one non-limitingexample, at least one cutting blade 312 includes a straight blade and atleast one cutting blade 312 includes a curved blade (or othernon-straight blade), among other shapes and/or combinations of shapesthat are possible and contemplated herein. In an additional oralternative non-limiting example, the straight blade(s) and/or thecurved blade(s) include a serrated cutting edge.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a set of cutting blades 312can include at least two subsets of cutting blades 312 in which a firstsubset includes two or more cutting blades 312 including a first shapeand at least a second subset that includes two or more cutting blades312 including a second, different shape. In some embodiments, one ormore of the cutting blades 312 in one or more of the subsets of cuttingblades 312 includes a serrated edge.

In further additional or alternative embodiments, the first subset ofcutting blades 312 and the second subset of cutting blades 312 includethe same quantity of cutting blades 312. In other embodiments, the firstsubset of cutting blades 312 and the second subset of cutting blades 312include different quantities of cutting blades 312.

In yet further additional or alternative embodiments, the cutting blades312 in the first subset of cutting blades 312 and the cutting blades 312in the second subset of cutting blades 312 can be positioned in apattern. The pattern may include any suitable pattern that can assist inand/or facilitate performing an osteotomy (e.g., a wedge-shapedosteotomy). In some embodiments, the pattern may include cutting blades312 with different shapes in an alternating pattern to providealternating columns of cutting blades 312.

A cutting blade 312 may include any suitable height that can facilitateand/or assist the surgical instrument 300 in performing an osteotomy(e.g., a wedge-shaped osteotomy). In various embodiments, the cuttingblades 312 can include a height in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 30mm, among other suitable heights that can facilitate cutting bone thatare possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the cuttingblades 312 include a height of about 0.75 mm, among other suitableheights that can facilitate cutting bone that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, all of the cutting blades 312 in the set of cuttingblades 312 on the top surface 306 include a respective uniform height(see FIG. 3D). In various embodiments, all of the cutting blades 312 inthe set of cutting blades 312 include the same respective uniform heightor at least two cutting blades 312 in the set of cutting blades 312include different respective uniform heights.

As shown in FIG. 3D, various embodiments include the body 302 with angleθ created between the bottom surface 304 and the top surface 306 suchthat the top surface 306 defines the slope 318 from the distal end 308to the proximal end 310. Further illustrated in FIG. 3D, the set ofcutting blades 312 includes a uniform height such that, when positionedon the top surface 306, the cutting surface (or top surface) of eachcutting blade 312 mirrors and/or includes the same slope 318 as that ofthe top surface 306. In other words, the cutting surface of each cuttingblade 312 extends vertically and rises upward along the slope 318 fromthe distal end 308 to the proximal end 310 (see FIG. 3B) or toward theproximal end 310 on a portion of the top surface 306 (see FIG. 3C).

In alternative embodiments, all of the cutting blades 312 on the topsurface 306 include a respective height that increases from the distalend 308 to the proximal end 310 (see FIG. 3E). As shown in FIG. 3E,various embodiments include the body with a flat (0° slope) top surface306 and one or more cutting blades 312 with angle θ between the cuttingsurface and a surface of the cutting blade 312 positioned on the body302 such that the height of each cutting blade 312 increases along theslope 318 from the distal end 308 to the proximal end 310.

In various embodiments, the angle θ of each cutting blade 312 is in therange of about 1° to about 15°, among other ranges of angles and/orangles that are possible and contemplated herein. In other words, anangle θ in the range of about 1° to about 15° (e.g., the angle θ=1°, 2°,3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or 15° and/or theangle θ≈1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or15°) is defined between the cutting surface of each cutting blade 312and the surface of the cutting blade positioned on the body 302, asshown in FIG. 3E. In other words, the cutting surface of each cuttingblade 312 extends vertically and rises upward along the slope 318 fromthe distal end 308 to the proximal end 310 (see FIG. 3B) or toward theproximal end 310 on a portion of the top surface 306 (see FIG. 3C).

In some embodiments, all of the cutting blades 312 in the set of cuttingblades 312 include the same respective increasing height or angle θ suchthat the cutting blades 312 increase in height starting at or proximateto the distal end 308 and extend to or toward the proximal end 310 atthe same rate. In alternative embodiments, at least two cutting blades312 in the set of cutting blades 312 include different respectiveincreasing heights or angles θ such that at least two cutting blades 312increase in height starting at or proximate to the distal end 308 andextend to or toward the proximal end 310 at different rates.

In some embodiments, the set of cutting blades 312 are positioned on thedistal end 308 in a straight line or substantially straight line. Inother embodiments, the set of cutting blades 312 are positioned along acurve on the distal end 308 defined by a radius R3.

The radius R3 may be any suitable radius and/or curvature that canassist in and/or facilitate initiating an osteotomy (e.g., awedge-shaped osteotomy) when oscillated. In various embodiments, theradius R3 is in the range of about 5 mm to about 80 mm, among otherranges of lengths and/or lengths that can define an amount and/or degreeof curvature that are possible and contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the radius R3 is about 25 mm, among other lengths that candefine an amount and/or degree of curvature that are possible andcontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the cutting blades 312 include a cutting surfacealong the slope 318 that can define single-plane. The single-plane maydefine a cutting slope 318 that can perform a wedge-shaped osteotomy ina single cut and/or single pass.

As further shown in FIGS. 3A through 3E, the proximal end 310 includesan attachment mechanism 316 positioned thereon. The attachment mechanism316 may include any suitable size dimensions, shape, and/orconfiguration that enables attachments of the surgical instrument 300 toa surgical instrument (not shown). That is, while the attachmentmechanism 316 is shown as including particular relative size dimensions,shapes, and configurations, the various embodiments of the surgicalinstrument 300 are not limited to the illustrated attachment mechanism316. That is, other embodiments of the surgical instrument 300 mayinclude one or more different relative size dimension(s), shapes, and/orconfigurations.

The various embodiments discussed herein may be practiced in otherspecific forms and the described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of thetechnology is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather thanby the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope. That is, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatmodifications and/or adaptations to the various aspects may be madewithout departing from the scope of the present technology, as set forthin the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a bodycomprising a distal end, a proximal end, a bottom surface, and a topsurface, the top surface including a slope extending upward and along asingle plane from the distal end to the proximal end; and a plurality ofcolumns of cutting blades spaced apart and positioned on the topsurface, wherein each of the plurality of cutting blades extendsvertically along at least a portion of the top surface, and wherein oneof: each cutting blade in the plurality of cutting blades comprises asame respective uniform height, and at least two cutting blades in theplurality of cutting blades comprise different respective uniformheights.
 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein: the slopedefines an angle between the top surface and the bottom surface in therange of 1 degree and 15 degrees.
 3. The surgical instrument of claim 1,wherein: the distal end includes a first horizontal width; the proximalend includes a second horizontal width; and the first horizontal widthis greater than the second horizontal width such that the body includesa width that tapers from the distal end to the proximal end.
 4. Thesurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein: the proximal end and the distalend include a same horizontal width such that the body includes auniform width.
 5. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein: theplurality of cutting blades includes a quantity of cutting blades in therange of two cutting blades to 40 cutting blades.
 6. A surgicalinstrument, comprising: a body comprising a distal end, a proximal end,a bottom surface, and a top surface; and a plurality of columns ofcutting blades spaced apart and positioned on the top surface, wherein:the top surface includes a flat plane, each of the plurality of cuttingblades extends vertically along the portion of the top surface, and eachcutting blade in the plurality of cutting blades comprises a respectiveincreasing height extending from the distal end to the proximal end suchthat a first height toward the proximal end is greater than a secondheight at the distal end of each cutting blade.
 7. The surgicalinstrument of claim 6, wherein: the increasing height defines an anglebetween the distal end and the proximal end in the range of 1 degree and15 degrees.
 8. The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein one of: eachcutting blade in the plurality of cutting blades comprises a samerespective increasing height; and at least two cutting blades in theplurality of cutting blades comprise different respective increasingheights.
 9. The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein: the distal endincludes a first horizontal width; the proximal end includes a secondhorizontal width; and the first horizontal width is greater than thesecond horizontal width such that the body includes a width that tapersfrom the distal end to the proximal end.
 10. The surgical instrument ofclaim 6, wherein: the proximal end and the distal end include a samehorizontal width such that the body includes a uniform width.
 11. Thesurgical instrument of claim 6, wherein: the plurality of cutting bladesincludes a quantity of cutting blades in the range of two cutting bladesto 40 cutting blades.
 12. A surgical instrument, comprising: a bodycomprising a distal end, a proximal end, a bottom surface, and a topsurface, the top surface including a slope extending upward and along asingle plane from the distal end to the proximal end; and a plurality ofcolumns of cutting blades spaced apart and positioned on the topsurface, wherein each of the plurality of cutting blades extendsvertically along at least a portion of the top surface, and wherein atleast two cutting blades in the plurality of cutting blades comprisedifferent respective uniform heights.
 13. The surgical instrument ofclaim 12, wherein: the slope defines an angle between the top surfaceand the bottom surface in the range of 1 degree and 15 degrees.
 14. Thesurgical instrument of claim 12, wherein: the distal end includes afirst horizontal width; the proximal end includes a second horizontalwidth; and the first horizontal width is greater than the secondhorizontal width such that the body includes a width that tapers fromthe distal end to the proximal end.
 15. The surgical instrument of claim12, wherein: the proximal end and the distal end include a samehorizontal width such that the body includes a uniform width.
 16. Thesurgical instrument of claim 12, wherein: the plurality of cuttingblades includes a quantity of cutting blades in the range of two cuttingblades to 40 cutting blades.